Garni Temple - one of the architectural and religious sites in Armenia. This ancient pagan temple dedicated to Mithra - the pagan god of the sun, the heavenly light and justice. It is located 28 km from the Armenian capital, near the village of Garni, on a triangular promontory which overlooks the gorge of the river Azat.

The estimated date of construction of the temple is considered to be the second half of the I st. - The reign of the Armenian king Trdat I. After adoption of Christianity in Armenia almost all the pagan shrines were destroyed, the Temple of Mithras - the only survivor.

Garni Temple in the classical style of Greek architecture and its appearance resembles the famous temple of Athena. The facade of the temple is decorated with 24 slender Ionic columns that are topped by a roof with a triangular pediment. The base of the church - the highest basalt podium, on which you can get via a wide staircase located at the front. One feature of the temple is its luxurious finishes, indicating a high level of sculpture in ancient Armenia. In the inner room of the monastery near the altar stood a statue of Mithras, so that all those who came to worship God, could see her.

In 1679 Armenia was a strong earthquake that destroyed many buildings, including the temple of Garni. Fragments of the church can be found around the gorge of the river Azat. At the beginning of the 1930s. Yerevan famous architect NG Buniatyan Garni examined and made the project of reconstruction of the temple. Thanks to the work of experienced restorers and local residents who for years collected Broadcast pieces of temple buildings in the surrounding hills, in 1966-1976, the shrine was restored.

Garni pagan temple - the only monument of the Hellenistic period in Armenia. Near the temple, you can see the remains of ancient fortifications, the royal palace and the building baths built in the III century.